DNE: Lecture 20***

• What is Visual Impairment?

  A significant decrease in vision that cannot be improved with medication, surgery, or regular eyeglasses.
• Causes of VI

  • Infections during pregnancy, e.g. Rubella infection (German measles)

  • Congenital eye diseases, e.g. Congenital cataract

  • Factors during delivery, e.g. asphyxia, retinal problems of prematurity

  • Acquired eye disease, e.g. corneal infection, turmors
• Symptoms of VI in children


  During infancy:

  -Lack of eye contact

  -No blinking to bright light

  -Do not look at his/her hands

  
  

  During early childhood:

  -Often keep his/her head down; lack eye contact with others

  -Limited facial expression and body language
• Learning Characteristics of Students with Visual Impairment

  They can acquire concepts like shapes and spatial concepts, but learn in a different way. These students will adopt appropriate methods, approaches and media to help them in learning.

  e.g. • braille books • audio tapes • magnifiers • computers • Larger prints

  
  

  •Get tired easily - because greater concentration is needed in comprehending instructions or reading braille in lessons.

  • Avoid asking for help

  - may have psychological difficulties

  -ask them before helping them
• How can teacher help students

  • Teachers should identify students' individual differences and varied needs to provide them in learning.

  • Encourage them to participate actively in school activities.

  • For those who refuse to take part, teachers need to find out the cause and help them overcome their psychological barriers.

  • Predictable environment and routine

  • Verbal and tactile info to compensate missed verbal cues
• classroom setting

  
  

  -avoid excessive furniture, materials and equipment

  -pathways are safe and accessible

  -do not stack shelves and containers higher than shoulder height
• Learning aids

  • Closed circuit television (CCTV)

  • Computers

  • Magnifier, telescopes

  • Well defined pictures

  • Large primary colours

  • Large print textbooks